Parks and streets skiers' playground

Streets and parks in Oamaru became impromptu skifields yesterday and workers who drove to their jobs skidded on icy roads after a rare snowfall to sea level on Sunday night.

Children on holiday from school, many accompanied by parents not keen to brave the icy roads, flocked to Awamoa Park where about 100 people slid on makeshift sleds or used skis and snowboards to play in the snow.

Orana Park, in north Oamaru, was a hive of activity with children and adults alike enjoying the slopes. Some built snowmen, while others sledded down the hill.

The steeper slopes of King George Park were an attraction for those seeking bigger thrills.

The last time snow reached sea level in Oamaru was on July 5, 2003. Before that, it was 1976.

This time the snow, up to 10cm deep, turned treacherous despite contractors gritting roads from daybreak. Vehicles found traction on fresh snow, but where it became packed down, icy conditions froze it.

That led to several minor accidents as vehicles slid off the road.

Some businesses and industries were affected with staff unable to get to work, or arriving late once roads had cleared.

The Waitaki Resource Recovery Park was closed all day because staff could not get in, while Aoraki Polytechnic closed its Oamaru campus.

By mid-afternoon, a lot of the snow had thawed, except in Oamaru's shaded areas.

On Sunday night, SH1 was closed south of Oamaru when accommodation in Palmerston was full. Trucks queued along Severn St, or got stuck part way up the hill yesterday, waiting for the road to reopen.

Waitaki civil defence activated a welfare centre in Palmerston at East Otago High School to accommodate stranded travellers.

Yesterday morning 22 were there but they all left during the day, emergency services manager Chris Raine said.

Last night, the Palmerston Community Centre was open for anyone who could not get local accommodation, but people were being advised to stop in Oamaru when SH1 closed again.

Civil Defence kept a close watch on the conditions, but did not activate its Oamaru headquarters. Emergency services were not affected, although there was concern about snow covering fire hydrants in Oamaru and fire units lacking chains.

Mr Raine said four-wheel-drive rural fire units could be brought in.

Oamaru St John ambulances had chains for access on snowy roads. St John had only one snow-related call when somebody slipped on ice in the central town.

The Waitaki District Council warned people to stay off roads last night as clear weather made heavy frosts and ice likely.

"Motorists are advised to avoid travelling in all areas and, if they must, be aware of ice on the roads," information officer Richard Mabon said.

Pedestrians were warned about ice. People were advised to stay at home last night with roads and footpaths likely to be treacherous.

Oamaru and coastal North Otago bore the brunt of the storm. Inland areas including the Kurow, Otematata, Omarama and Tekapo townships had no snow on the ground but fresh falls on the tops.

Lindis Pass and SH8 through the Mackenzie Basin was open.

Ohau Snow Fields was closed yesterday, reporting 10cm of new snow.

david.bruce@odt.co.nz